Feeling a bit worried...

[canadianlovee]

So after 5 months of not hearing anything from the embassy we finally heard something, however it is an interview.

Does this mean the embassy does not believe our relationship is genuine?! Is a interview a bad thing? Most people from my husbands country (Lebanon) get interviewed.

 

[canuser]

So after 5 months of not hearing anything from the embassy we finally heard something, however it is an interview.

Does this mean the embassy does not believe our relationship is genuine?! Is a interview a bad thing? Most people from my husbands country (Lebanon) get interviewed.

Hi @canadianlovee

The interview doesn’t necessarily mean a bad thing, if they VO has a few questions, the might want to clarify things in person. Generally, if you pass the interview you get PPR right away! In a sense, it might be a blessing in disguise

Perhaps someone else can shed some light on this for you as well.

Stay positive

 

[JulianaAndrew]

The interview doesn’t necessarily mean a bad thing

If you mean that the immigration officer having doubts about the relationship being genuine doesn't mean it's a bad thing, then I guess you are right and it doesn't mean a bad thing. Unfortunately, obviously it does mean it's a bad thing. People don't get called to interviews just because, nor to simply clarify things in person. This is a very serious matter and the OP should address it like that.

 

[canuser]

If you mean that the immigration officer having doubts about the relationship being genuine doesn't mean it's a bad thing, then I guess you are right and it doesn't mean a bad thing. Unfortunately, obviously it does mean it's a bad thing. People don't get called to interviews just because, nor to simply clarify things in person. This is a very serious matter and the OP should address it like that.

If your relationship is truly genuine, why would you worry? You can prove that in person as well - is what I am assuming.... maybe others who have experience can chime in...

I remember reading in the interview threads that a few people were not even asked that many questions?! Then again, what do I know - im going on what I read online. @JulianaAndrew clearly has a bit more experience on these forums than I do

 

[JulianaAndrew]

So after 5 months of not hearing anything from the embassy we finally heard something, however it is an interview.

Does this mean the embassy does not believe our relationship is genuine?! Is a interview a bad thing? Most people from my husbands country (Lebanon) get interviewed.

The reasons for an interview can vary. Generally it is because they don't believe your relationship is genuine, or have concerns about it. The interview will be your opportunity to change the immigration officer's mind. An interview is generally a bad thing, it slows down your process a lot, and if you don't pass it, you're almost guaranteed to be refused. You have to take this very seriously and prepare as much as you can for it. It will be up to you to prove that your relationship is genuine. When is the interview? You may have enough time to order your GCMS notes and know what their concerns are in time.

 

[JulianaAndrew]

If your relationship is truly genuine, why would you worry? You can prove that in person as well - is what I am assuming....

I remember reading in the interview threads that a few people were not even asked that many questions?! Then again, what do I know - im going on what I read online.

Unfortunately that is not the case. It's not enough to just have a genuine relationship. You have to prove it. Some people get nervous in the interviews, or get asked bullshit questions that not even genuine couples would know the answers to them. Sometimes the immigration officer simply does not believe what you tell them, even though you tell them the truth. The whole process of the interview can take up to more than 3 hours, in my case it was 3 hours. Most people get asked a lot of questions. They are instructed to request interviews only if it's absolutely necessary. They are not scheduling interviews to just ask 5 questions, unless they are for quality purposes, but those interviews are very rare.

 

[canuser]

Unfortunately that is not the case. It's not enough to just have a genuine relationship. You have to prove it. Some people get nervous in the interviews, or get asked bullshit questions that not even genuine couples would know the answers to them. Sometimes the immigration officer simply does not believe what you tell them, even though you tell them the truth. The whole process of the interview can take up to more than 3 hours, in my case it was 3 hours. Most people get asked a lot of questions. They are instructed to request interviews only if it's absolutely necessary. They are not scheduling interviews to just ask 5 questions, unless they are for quality purposes, but those interviews are very rare.

Oh god. That sounds awful I’m sorry you went through that.

I read some of the questions, and some of them borderline on inappropriate.

Im glad you are sharing your first hand experience, maybe it will save someones application.

 

[majesty]

Unfortunately that is not the case. It's not enough to just have a genuine relationship. You have to prove it. Some people get nervous in the interviews, or get asked bullshit questions that not even genuine couples would know the answers to them. Sometimes the immigration officer simply does not believe what you tell them, even though you tell them the truth. The whole process of the interview can take up to more than 3 hours, in my case it was 3 hours. Most people get asked a lot of questions. They are instructed to request interviews only if it's absolutely necessary. They are not scheduling interviews to just ask 5 questions, unless they are for quality purposes, but those interviews are very rare.

Wow your interview was 3 hours? What could they possibly grill you about for 3 hours. The only thing my partner has going for him is he doesn't get phased too badly. He took his IELTS twice, so at least he had some good training not to crack under pressure! Bad thing is there is so much stuff that they can ask my partner! Better start preparing!

 

[majesty]

The reasons for an interview can vary. Generally it is because they don't believe your relationship is genuine, or have concerns about it. The interview will be your opportunity to change the immigration officer's mind. An interview is generally a bad thing, it slows down your process a lot, and if you don't pass it, you're almost guaranteed to be refused. You have to take this very seriously and prepare as much as you can for it. It will be up to you to prove that your relationship is genuine. When is the interview? You may have enough time to order your GCMS notes and know what their concerns are in time.

Our GCMS notes were useless in pinpointing their concerns, none were listed, but we pretty much know our red flags as should most people who get called for an interview.

 

[JulianaAndrew]

Wow your interview was 3 hours? What could they possibly grill you about for 3 hours. The only thing my partner has going for him is he doesn't get phased too badly. He took his IELTS twice, so at least he had some good training not to crack under pressure! Bad thing is there is so much stuff that they can ask my partner! Better start preparing!

One hour and a half of actual questions, the rest was just waiting between sessions of questions and just waiting more.

 

[mikeymyke]

Unfortunately, a relationship interview is always a bad thing. I know in a previous thread you were really happy about getting an interview because you felt the process was moving forward, but in reality, its a roadblock because it means the VO has concerns your relationship is not genuine.

Even if you have lots of proof it is genuine, the fact is, we've heard many stories of interviewers dismissing people's evidence and making up their minds from the get-go, or people just simply getting nervous and giving incorrect answers.

I've had a friend of 5 years who tried to sponsor his Viet wife, they even had a kid together prior to submission, and I know they're as genuine as can be, but after the interview (they got an interview because he initially withdrew due to arguing w his wife, but reconciled), they got refused.

You could be the most genuine couple and still get refused because the interviewer might have a bad day or doesnt like the way you compose yourself. So now your best course of action is to determine what your red flags are and do the best to address them at the interview

 

[tschellsi]

After reading all this, I feel so nervous in case there's an interview for my husband. There is a 10 year age gap between us which worries me the most. And seems likes everyone from Mexico gets interviewed. Has anyone been in the same situation?

 

[CaroM8]

After reading all this, I feel so nervous in case there's an interview for my husband. There is a 10 year age gap between us which worries me the most. And seems likes everyone from Mexico gets interviewed. Has anyone been in the same situation?

I don’t think a 10 year gap is a huge deal..

My husband just got his PR this past November, he is from Guatemala. We had no issues.

 

[Canadian.In.NZ.]

Hey all

Just wondering about interviews.

I've read that even genuine couples can be asked for an interview. How likely is that and what is it that the case officers look for or want which makes me feel like they have concern about the relationship?

I felt confident that my husband won't get called in for one, but there's always a chance, isn't there?

 

[canuck_in_uk]

Hey all

Just wondering about interviews.

I've read that even genuine couples can be asked for an interview. How likely is that and what is it that the case officers look for or want which makes me feel like they have concern about the relationship?

I felt confident that my husband won't get called in for one, but there's always a chance, isn't there?

Interviews are mainly called for when IRCC suspects a Marriage of Convenience; there are a ton of different things that could lead a VO to suspect MOC, such as different language/culture/religion/education levels, marriage on the first visit, no time spent together in person, age differences etc. For obvious reasons, people from countries that are equally as developed as Canada, such as NZ, are not MOC risks.

Interviews can also be called for when there are other serious red flags such as criminality, misrepresentation etc.